Jesse Curtis Smith
SMITH, KNEBEL
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 7/5/2022 at 10:46:40
Jesse Curtis Smith passed peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends.
Jesse was born April 8th 1979 in Iowa City, Iowa. Cherished son to Marcy Knebel and Kent Smith. In 1984, Marcy married Steve Knebel and forever joined the Knebel family. He attended Regina Catholic High School in Iowa City graduating in the class of 1997. Jesse then graduated from the University of Iowa with two degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Psychology. While in college, through Camp Adventure of UNI he ran summer camps for the children of our enlisted men and women, who were stationed in Germany and Hawaii. After graduating college, he continued to serve his country proudly by joining the US Armed Forces in Fort Benning, Georgia. He was promoted from Specialist to Sergeant to Second Lieutenant, and was medically discharged in August, 2003. Since that time he has worked tirelessly to contribute to a medical study through the National Institutes of Health(NIH) – a study researching dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a rare, genetic form of bone marrow failure.
Following his military service he began molding young minds through his teaching career in Colorado. There he served as a counselor at a group home, as well as a 4th Grade Teacher at Garfield Elementary in Loveland. In the summer of 2012 he continued his teaching career in Iowa City’s Tate High School as a Language Arts and Math teacher. Jesse’s integrity, work ethic along with his kindness, patience and positive nature made an immediate impact on his students. Students loved being in Mr. Smiths’ class. As well as teaching, Jesse spearheaded Tate's PBIS initiative to improve the climate and culture for staff, students and parents. He dedicated himself to making Tate a safe, positive and consistent place. Eventually he became the MTSS coordinator developing academic interventions and ensuring each student was academically supported and successful. Mr. Smith continued his support beyond the school day; he developed after school clubs, consisting of fishing and starting a volleyball and basketball leagues. He took students to job interviews and bought them interview clothes to insure they felt comfortable. Mr. Smith would pick up students and bring them to school just so they knew he wanted them at school each day. His commitment to Tate High School and his students have left a lasting impression and he epitomized a true educator.
Jesse had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. An avid snowboarder, trout fisherman and four-wheeler enthusiast, he recently built and renovated a home in the mountains of Colorado to enjoy the rocky mountains with his loved ones. An avid sports fan, his loyalty for the Kentucky Wildcat Men’s Basketball Program was unmatched. He attended many sporting events with his brothers and close friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5, 2022 from 2 PM to 4 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. Following visitation, the family invites everyone to attend a celebration of Jesse’s life at 2924 Dubuque St. NE, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Iowa City Hospice or the Hope Lodge.
Jesse’s family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the staff of the VA, NIH and Iowa City Hospice.
Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com
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